Do you want to know some of the secrets and hidden gems that make Universal Orlando Resort so special? Well, you’re in luck! Today, I’m going to share some of my favorite Universal Orlando secrets for making the most out of your visit.
From secret spots to free behind-the-scenes tours, there’s something for everyone. So get ready to discover some secrets that Universal insiders know about!
Park Secrets
Visit New York Street
Looking for photogenic spots? Head inside the alley located in the New York area. Walking through this alley will make you feel like you’re in New York.
Look At Manhole Covers
There are several manhole covers throughout Universal Orlando Resort that are actually quite interesting. Some of the maintenance hole coverings are styled after the city it’s located in.
It’s a fun little detail for guests to find.
Look For Phones And Call Boxes Throughout Marvel Super-Hero Island
So many people just walk past these. Pick up any of the phones or press buttons for a surprise message!
Look For Hidden Autographs Of Adam Kubert
Adam Kubert is the Marvel comic artist responsible for the character drawings/cutouts you’ll see around Marvel Super Hero Island. Looking closely at the characters, you’ll see his first name hidden in his artwork.
Squirt Water On Passengers Riding The Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges For Free
Use the water blasters on Me Ship, The Olive, to squirt water for free. There are water blasters near the Popeye ride, but they cost money.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Secrets
Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an amazing place to visit for Harry Potter fans. You can walk through the streets of Hogsmeade/Diagon Alley, enter the Hogwarts Express, and explore the many magical shops and attractions. The attention to detail is incredible, and you really feel like you’ve been transported to the wizarding world.
Diagon Alley
Check the Windows of 12 Grimmauld Place
See Kreacher, the house elf peeking out the windows at 12 Grimmauld Place (the home of Sirius Black). Kreacher, a character from the Harry Potter series, is the house elf who formerly belonged to the Black family.
Call The Ministry Of Magic
Dial MAGIC (62442) inside the red phone booth in front of the Kings Cross Station. You can hear a message from the Ministry!
Visit Knockturn Alley
Knockturn Alley is a dark and twisty alley located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking to buy Dark Arts artifacts, or if you’re just looking for a spooky place to hang out.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants in Knockturn Alley, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. And, of course, it’s home to the infamous Borgin and Burkes!
It’s easy to miss this place, especially on your first trip. I wouldn’t have noticed this place if I didn’t see people enter this alleyway. Enter the dark alley right next to the Leaky Cauldron.
You’ll find dark magic merchandise there.
Knockturn Alley is also a great place to take cover when it rains outside.
Note: Some little ones may feel uncomfortable going into Knockturn Alley because the whole area is pretty dark.
Mirror At Madam Malkin’s Robes For All Occasions
Try on a robe and step in front of the magical mirror inside the store. The talking mirror will start to compliment or critique your outfit!
Sign at Leaky Cauldron
While it’s not exactly a secret, the Leaky Cauldron is one of the most popular spots in Universal Orlando. Located in the heart of Diagon Alley, this pub offers Butterbeer for guests to enjoy.
If you look closely at the sign with a witch stirring her cauldron located outside the pub, you’ll see that there’s water dripping from the crack of the witch’s cauldron.
Watch The Dragon Breathe Fire
There’s an awesome fire-breathing dragon on top of Gringotts bank at Universal Orlando Resort, and it’s an amazing sight to see! The dragon will usually breathe fire every 10 to 15 minutes.
Secret Mystery Spell Locations
Some wand spells are not on the spell map you receive with your interactive wand. Visit the window of Scribbulus Writing Implements and Slugs and Jiggers Apothecary for secret spells.
Tip: If the spell doesn’t work, try a smaller motion with your wand.
Gringotts Money Exchange
If you’re looking to trade in your muggle money for Gringotts bank notes, Gringotts is the place to go. Located inside Universal Orlando’s Diagon Alley, Gringotts is the only place in the world where you can make this exchange. You can change your wizard money back to muggle money at Guest Services.
Hogsmeade
Use The Owl Post
Send a postcard or letter from the Owl Post in Hogsmeade. You’ll get a Hogsmeade postmark stamped.
You can buy everything from authentic wizarding World postcards to personalized stationary, from stamps to notebooks.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, be sure to check out Owl Post.
Tip: If you want to save money, prepare a postcard or letter beforehand and get a Hogsmeade postmark for free!
Visit Restroom In Hogsmeade
You can hear Moaning Myrtle in Hogsmeade both in the men’s and women’s restrooms, Public Convenience. Visitors can hear her moaning and wailing in a sad voice. Don’t be startled by her voice as I did!
Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience at Universal Orlando, be sure to check out the nighttime lights show at Hogwarts Castle. The show is absolutely stunning, and it’s a must-see for any Harry Potter fan.
You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the castle lit up against the night sky, and the music is sure to put you in a festive mood. So be sure to catch the show on your next visit to Universal Orlando! Check the app for showtimes or ask a team member at Universal.
Visit Alleyway Between Honeydukes And Three Broomsticks
There’s an alleyway between Honeydukes and Three Broomsticks that many people don’t know about. You can watch the dishes being cleaned from the window of the Three Broomsticks!
Ride Secrets
Play Secret Songs On Rip Ride Rocket
There’s a hidden list of songs for Rip Ride Rocket. Hold the logo for 10 seconds until you see a number keypad. Enter a number, and you’re good to go.
For numbers, search for “rip ride rocket secret song,” and you’ll find a list of songs and their numbers on the secret playlist of tracks.
Note #1: Remember the numbers before going on the ride because you cannot bring your phone. Also, memorize the numbers for a couple of songs just in case your primary choice doesn’t work.
Note #2: You can’t purchase a ride video if you choose a secret song.
Look For Stan Lee During The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man Ride
For those who are not familiar with Stan Lee, he is the co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, and many more iconic superheroes. He has frequently made cameos in most of the Marvel movies to date.
Stan Lee appears in multiple scenes of the attraction. Try to find him when riding the Spider-Man attraction.
This is a must-do for any Marvel fan visiting Universal Orlando.
Try Opening Doors During MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack Queue
Some doors (such as the “Oxygen Free Zone” door)in the MIB queue are interactive. Pull the handle on the door and see if anything happens.
Find Real Banana Trees at Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Queue
If you’ve ever watched the Despicable Me series, you’ll know that the Minions absolutely love bananas!
You can find actual banana trees growing outside the queue for the Minion ride at Universal Orlando!
Ask For A Free Tour
Some rides may offer a behind-the-scenes tour. Ask the ride attendant if they offer any free tours for the ride!
Here are some of the locations:
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack-Immigration Tour
- Race Through New York Jimmy Fallon- Studio Tour
- Revenge of the Mummy- Production Tour
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster-Gamma Tour
- Skull Island Reign of Kong- Temple Tour
- Jurassic World Velocicoaster -Facility Tour
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall- Villains Tour
Please note that these tours may sometimes be unavailable, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
CityWalk Secrets
Berlin Wall
Did you know that you can find a historical piece in Universal Orlando? If you take the path that leads to the back of Hard Rock Cafe, you’ll find a part of the Berlin Wall on display.
Note: You don’t need to eat at Hard Rock Cafe to see the display.
Join Landry’s Select Club
The Landry’s Select Club is a loyalty program where you can earn points for dining at one of the participating restaurants. It costs $25 to join, with no annual fee. You’ll receive a $25 welcome reward, so basically, you can actually join for free.
Some of the perks of being a member besides earning redeemable points include priority seating and a $25 birthday reward. This priority seating perk may help you get your table faster.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in CityWalk is one of the participating restaurants. (P.S. Yak & Yeti, T-Rex Cafe, and Rainforest Cafe at Disney World are also participating restaurants)
Check Landry’s Select Club website and see if there are any participating restaurants in your local area. If there are, I would highly recommend joining the club!
What Next?
So there you have it! These are just some of the best secrets and hidden easter eggs that many people don’t know about at Universal Orlando Resort. Feel free to share this post with your friends – they might find it helpful too! And if you’re planning a trip to Universal soon, be sure to check out my other post, 20+ Universal Orlando Tips. Happy travels!
